OCD Disorder Flashcards
What is OCD?
Intrusive Thoughts: Persistent, unwanted thoughts,images or urges that cause anxiety and distress
Obsessions: Uncontrollable, irrational thoughts, ideas or impulses that the individual feels compelled to act upon.
Compulsions: Repetitive behaviours or mental acts that a person feels driven to perform to alleviate the anxiety caused by their obsessions
Cycle of OCD
Obsessions–> Anxiety–>Compulsions–>Relief
Symptoms of OCD
Excessive hand-washing, repetitive checking, hoarding, obsessive thoughts about order/symmetry
Types of OCD
Contamination OCD (45%)
Ham OCD (35%)
Relationship OCD (20%
OCD Diagnosis
Initial Consultation: The individual meets with a mental health professional. The professional will gather info about the individual’s symptoms, medical history.
Symptom Assessment: Professional will assess the individual’s symptoms: frequency, duration and severity of obsessions and compulsions. This determines if the individual meets the diagnostic criteria for OCD.
Ruling out other conditions: The professional will consider/rule out other potential mental health conditions.
Diagnostic Criteria: Use DSM5
Causes of OCD: Genetics
Genetic Factors: Research suggests that OCD may have a hereditary component with individuals with a close family member with OCD being more likely to develop the disorder
Causes of OCD: Neurological Factors
Neurological Factors: Individuals with OCD may have imbalances or abnormalities in certain brain chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine, which can contribute to the development/persistence of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours
Causes of OCD: Environmental Factors
Stressful life events, traumatic experiences and certain learned behaviours can play a role in the development of OCD.
Causes of OCD: Cognitive Factors
Individuals with OCD often have distorted thought patterns, such as an excessive sense of responsibility, intolerance of uncertainty and a tendency to overestimate the chances of negative events
Causes of OCD: Biological Factors
Research suggests that physical changes in the brain such as increased activity in certain brain regions or structural abnormalities play a role in development of OCD
Body Dysmorphia
A mental health condition characterized by an obsessive preoccupation with a perceived flaw in one’s physical appearance. Individuals with Body dysmorphia often experience intense distress and engage in compulsive behaviours in an attempt to hide or fix the perceived imperfection.
Hoarding Disorder
A persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value. This leads to the accumulation of items to the point where living spaces become cluttered and unusable.
Symptoms of Hoarding Disorder
Excessive acquisition of items, difficulty discarding possessions, clutter that interferes with daily life and significant distress in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning.
Causes of Hoarding Disorder
The exact cause is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, neurological and psychological factors, including traumatic events, perfectionism and difficulty making decisions.
Extrication Disorder/ Dermatotillomania
A mental health condition characterized by an irresistible urge to pick, scratch or manipulate one’s own skin, often resulting in tissue damage and scarring.
Understanding Tricotillomania
A disorder characterized by the recurrent urge to pull out one’s own hair, resulting in noticeable bald patches. It is considered a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder and can have significant psychological and social impacts on the individual.
Coping with OCD
Effective coping strategies such as mindfulness techniques and building a strong support network. As well as cognitive behaviour therapy, exposure and response prevention and medication.
